Curly Que Snapping Shrimp

Also known as Curlycue Pistol Shrimp, Curly Cue Pistol Shrimp

The Curly Que Snapping Shrimp is a small, attractively patterned pistol shrimp featuring distinctive banding and a characteristically curved body posture. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this species combines the fascinating burrowing behavior and snapping abilities of pistol shrimp with a more compact size, making it suitable for smaller reef aquariums. It may form symbiotic relationships with certain goby species.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Alpheus armatus
• Common Names: Curly Que Snapping Shrimp, Curlycue Pistol Shrimp, Curly Cue Pistol Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 1–1.5 inches
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful toward other species; territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; suitable for nano reefs
• Experience Level: Easy – hardy, adaptable, and nano-reef friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide fine to medium sand substrate (2–3 inches deep) for burrow construction. Include small pieces of rubble rock and live rock to support burrow structures. Open sand areas essential for tunnel systems. Smaller scale appropriate for nano aquariums.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable water quality with regular maintenance
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration appropriate for tank size
  • Protein skimmer recommended for larger systems
  • Gentle to moderate water flow
  • Secure aquarium lid

Diet & Feeding

Curly Que Snapping Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers:

• Staples: High-quality sinking pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, frozen cyclops
• Supplemental: Finely chopped frozen seafood, flake food, detritus, leftover fish food
• Feeding Frequency: Once daily; small amounts appropriate for their size
• Special Note: Will emerge from burrow during feeding times. Target feed near burrow entrance to ensure adequate nutrition. If paired with goby, both will feed together.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Best Kept as: Single specimen or male/female pair
• Goby Symbiosis: May form partnerships with smaller shrimp goby species, though pairing success varies by individual. Compatible gobies include smaller Stonogobiops species and similar-sized shrimp gobies.
• Communication: When paired with goby, maintains antenna contact for communication and predator detection
• Burrowing Behavior: Active excavator that creates burrow systems, though typically less extensive than larger pistol shrimp species due to smaller size
• Snapping Mechanism: Possesses characteristic enlarged claw capable of producing snapping sounds, though quieter than larger pistol shrimp species
• Curved Posture: Often holds body in distinctive curved or “curled” position – the source of its common name
• Activity: Primarily active during day; may retreat to burrow at night

Notes & Considerations

• Smaller size makes this species ideal for nano reef aquariums where larger pistol shrimp would be inappropriate.
• Snapping sound is notably quieter than larger Alpheus species but still audible.
• Sand-moving behavior is less disruptive than larger pistol shrimp, making it suitable for smaller, delicate aquascapes.
• May or may not establish goby partnerships – individual behavior varies. Not as reliably symbiotic as some larger pistol shrimp species.
• Nearly blind like other pistol shrimp; relies on tactile senses for navigation.
• More visible and active when paired with compatible small goby species.
• Burrows are typically smaller and less complex than those of larger pistol shrimp.
• Attractive banding pattern makes them visually appealing when visible outside burrow.
• Peaceful toward all other species including ornamental shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs.
• May be shy without goby partner and spend most time hidden in burrow.
• Like all invertebrates, sensitive to copper-based medications and treatments.
• Provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting cycles.
• Molts regularly; may remain hidden during and immediately after molting.
• Can regenerate lost claws over multiple molts.
• Appropriate for aquarists wanting pistol shrimp behavior in smaller aquarium systems.
• Less likely to cause significant rockwork shifts due to smaller size and less aggressive burrowing.

Why Choose a Quarantined Curly Que Snapping Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re receiving a healthy, well-acclimated shrimp that has demonstrated normal burrowing behavior and feeding activity. Our specimens are robust, actively accepting prepared foods, and when available, can be paired with appropriately sized compatible goby species for an established symbiotic relationship perfect for nano reef aquariums.